Audi in NATCC for '97?

Forwarded from the Touring Car list:
STOP PRESS!!
As published in Motorsport News, 27 September 1996 (Australia) Audi is
apparently examining the possibility of running a semi-works team in next
years NATCC.
Perhaps there are other works backings going to come of light over the next
few weeks?
Anyone else out there got more info?
Simon Brown